Choking agents can be defined as chemical agents that attack lung tissue, primarily causing pulmonary edema.

• Type and ID Information –
• Phosgene (CG)—UN1076, ERG# 125
• Chlorine (Cl)—UN1017, ERG# 124
• Dissemination—Liquid when cooled and under pressure; a gas when released
• Availability—Commercially available; used in disinfectants, plastic, pesticides, solvents, chemical synthesis, plastic, pesticides, dyes, and herbicides
• Volatility—Nonpersistent; it only poses immediate, short-duration hazards (e.g., hours)
• Vapor density—Is heavier than air
• Odor—Victims may mention a specific odor (Phosgene-newly mown hay; Chlorine-bleach), but this is not always the case. Individuals must evacuate the area if they detect odor to avoid the physiological impact of the agent
• Routes of entry—Inhalation; skin irritation
• General signs and/or symptoms—Primarily attack the airway and lungs, causing irritation of the entire airway from the nose to the lungs. Fluid fills the lungs and pulmonary edema occurs; known as dry-land drowning. Skin irritation—interacts with water on the skin. Onset of symptoms usually occurs immediately.